Alumni Awards
Alan H. Cohen (BS '69, JD '73)
Distinguished Entrepreneur 1996
Alan H. Cohen, co-founder of The Finish Line, Inc., and one of the principal stockholders, has served as president, chief executive officer, and chairman since 1982. The Finish Line, Inc., is an athletic footwear and apparel specialty store currently operating 220 units in 24 states. The company employs more than 3,500 people and sales for the latest fiscal year total more than $220 million. The FinishLine, Inc., was taken public in 1992 and is listed and traded on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange.
Mr. Cohen practiced law from 1973-1981. During this time he also co-founded Athletic Enterprises, Inc., which merged with The Finish Line, Inc., at the time of the public offering. He received his undergraduate business degree from Indiana University in 1969 and earned a law degree from the IU Indianapolis Law School in 1973. He is a member of the board of directors of the National Sporting Goods Association and is on the editorial board for Sports Trend magazine.
Named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young and Inc. magazine, Mr. Cohen is a member of the board of visitors of Indiana University Law School, Indianapolis Campus. He has also served on the board of directors of the Indianapolis Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Cohen and his wife, Linda, live in Indianapolis with their two children.
